The 2,018-acre Beebe Hill Multiple Use Area and the 2,007-acre Harvey Mountain State Forest are managed for multiple uses, including timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and recreation. Harvey Mountain is the highest elevation in Columbia County at 2,065 feet. The forests provide ample opportunity for outdoor recreation year round, including a fire tower that is open to the public and provides beautiful scenery from the top.

Featured Activities

Beebe Hill & Harvey Mountain State Forests feature 30 miles of multiple use trails, open to hiking and other recreation. These trails can be accessed by various parking areas, and lead to various highlights of the State Forests including two lean-tos and a fire tower. There is also a lean-to for public use just off the summit along the main trail. Harvey Mountain State Forest also has a lean-to along the trail, as well as a large, unique blueberry patch at the summit of the mountain.

Beebe Hill & Harvey Mountain State Forests feature one lean-to each. These lean-tos can be accessed by the multiple use trails. In addition, at-large back-country camping is allowed. Camping must be at least 150 feet from a water body, trail or road. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of 10 or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

Beebe Hill & Harvey Mountain State Forests feature several bodies of water open to fishing including the 6.5-acre warm Barrett Pond, the 5-acre No Bottom Pond, as well as 5.5 miles of various streams. Fish species found on the property include largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, rock bass, yellow perch and golden shiners.

East-Central NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.

Beebe Hill & Harvey Mountain State Forests are open to hunting and trapping during appropriate seasons. The main game species and furbearers found on the property include deer, bear, turkey, beaver, coyote, and fisher.

Proof of current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses and out-of-state horse owners are required to produce a 30-day health certificate.

There are horse rails located at the Fog Hill parking area. These 2 properties are very popular for horseback riding. Please see the directions (add jump link to directions) sections for details on parking lot capacity.

There are approximately 5.6 miles of Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) trails in the Beebe Hill State Forest. Access for the trails leading to the fire tower can be gained via the Engle Road and Barrett Pond Road parking areas. The Loop Trail (2.28 miles), located northeast of Rte. 5, can be accessed from the Fog Hill parking lot. Harvey Mountain State Forest has the .88-mile Harvey Mountain Access Road located in the southeast portion of the property, which allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.

Beebe Hill/Harvey Mountain State Forests are approximately seven miles west of the Taconic Parkway on NY State Route 203. Beebe Hill State Forest can be accessed from Stonewall Road, Engle Road, County Route 5, Macedonia Road and Fog Hill Road, off NY State Routes 203 & 22 in the town of Austerlitz. Harvey Mountain State Forest is accessible from NY State Route 22 and East Hill Road in the town of Austerlitz.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

East Hill Road Area Parking Area is located on East Hill Road, off NY Route 22. It is an unpaved parking lot that fits 6 cars, or 2 cars with trailers. (42.326115°N, 73.439918°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)

Barrett Pond Parking Area is located off of Osmer Road, which is off of NYS Route 22. It is an unpaved parking lot that fits 20 vehicles or 5 cars with trailers.(42.336427°N, 73.475787°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)

Fog Hill Road Parking Area is located off of Fog Hill Road, which is off of Osmer Road. It is an unpaved parking lot that fits 20 vehicles or 5 cars with trailers. (42.341184°N, 73.472188°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)

Engle Road Parking Area is located off of Engle Road, which is off of NYS Route 22. (42.334196°N, 73.492664°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

History

Beebe Hill State Forest (in the Columbia County town of Austerlitz) was established in 1963 and is the home of the Beebe Hill fire tower, erected in 1964 and operated through 1987. Recent history has seen the development of over 3,000 acres of state forests in Columbia County. The 60-foot-tall fire tower was originally constructed on Alander Mountain in the Berkshires in 1928. Five years later it was moved to Washburn Mountain in Columbia County, where it stood until it was moved to Beebe Hill in 1964. Harvey Mountain State Forest (also in the town of Austerlitz) was developed in 1999 and adjoins Beebe Hill State Forest. Harvey Mt. is the highest elevation in Columbia County at 2,065 feet. Near the summit of Harvey Mountain, a wild blueberry field exists, which historically provided a source of revenue for area residents.

Numerous guide books and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.